The Wallace
Island Expedition 2002 Report..
On
May 29th 2002, six intrepid paddlers of the Komoux
Valley Paddlers known as KVP ( John and
Bev; Chris and Cheryl; Deb and Sharron) and 3
wanabees…
Our destination was the sandstone cliffs and sandy shores of Wallace
Island and any ice cream vendor along the way..
Wallace Island is a Provincial Park that offers something like 9 well
defined tent sites located at its north end.. Each site consists of either a
lovely pea gravel pad or tent platform and an associated picnic table and an
outhouse to boot..
The Expedition began as fellow
“Paddlers” met at the Crofton
Ferry.. If one were to have a look
at the charts it would confirm that the distant spec, the one just right of
center that we could see from the deck of the ferry, was none other than Wallace
Island itself.. Yes, we could have
paddled from Crofton, but not us we were intent to pursue the objectives of this
expedition.. For those that are not
familiar with the objectives of a candc sponsored adventure they are to enjoy
our friends and paddling companions; expose our taste buds to culinary treats;
imbibe in the elixir of the grapes, hops and grains; and get in some good
paddling in the search for Ice Cream..
It was John who procured the first ice cream treat at Fernwood our put-in
on Salt Spring..
Our
put-in, some would say was leisurely, as we had lots of time to try out the
optional loading and storage possibilities while we awaited the arrival of
Ken and Joanne..
phoneter of Salt Spring Island looking for the us..
Once
on the water
It
was only a little later that we got down to some serious face painting and other
frivolities.. The twilight hour was rounded out with the ceremonious
presentation of T-shirts made by none other than Ken and Joanne.
OK…you are now officially no longer wanabies! (now we just need your
membership fees!)
Our
second day had us on the water at the crack of coffee time, with our destination
being Thetis Island.. Where as Wallace Island is renowned for its Conover Family
history as a summer resort in the 1950’s and the fact that David Conover was
the noted photographer of the famous Marilyn Monroe at Banff photos.. Thetis
Island is revered as the source of the best milkshake in the known free world or
at least in the Strait of Georgia..
Yes,
there is a little marina on Thetis complete with mushroom stools and counter
service that when one enters the building, its like taking a step back in time..
It’s quaint and at the same time relaxing and even has showers and a washroom
with flush toilets..
This
is a picture of the fearless Wallace
Island Expedition team, as they prepared to depart Thetis Island and return to
base camp on Wallace..
And
these are a few other highlights of a wonderful trip
Sponsored
by the Komoux Valley Paddlers..
Thanks
to Laurel…for circling this date on our calendars…you 
missed an awesome weekend of paddling and friendship!!!
